Author: Fragments of Light

Henry the Star

  As I begin painting in earnest again, I find myself drawn to a place of simplicity and happiness. I drag out from the shadows a painting I began last spring. At first I think it's a "light" theme, a "warm-up," with deeper visual ponderings to come. And then I realize, the most treasured offerings in…Read more Henry the Star

Painting and Listening

In the last few months I traveled halfway around the world. The trip was like a rock dropped in a lake, and I'm flowing out in the ripples. Opportunities to share the story of Sanctuary of Hope and Pamba Toto abound. I'm swimming hard to keep up. Amidst it all, my children, home on summer break…Read more Painting and Listening

Backyard Boutique

  A couple days ago, my friends and I created a backyard fairyland of texture, color and creativity. For me, the most magic moment of the event illuminates a path of perseverance. A friend stopped by and perused the offerings, bought a couple items, and left. But just a little while later, she returned. With tears in her…Read more Backyard Boutique

True Love

I attended a fairy tale wedding a few days ago. Two people aflame with the glory of true love... a blaze I am confident will carry them through the next fifty years. Witnessing the ceremony, the world seemed full of possibility, aching for all that is good and true. These two, I am sure, should the Lord…Read more True Love

Huruma Means Mercy, Part 2

We leave the aching hope of the Mother Teresa compound for the teeming chaos of streets beyond. Now joining us – me; my Pamba Toto co-founder, business partner and dear friend, Debbie Lee; and her husband Brian - in the car is John, with a smile to shove back the darkest night. He directs us…Read more Huruma Means Mercy, Part 2

Kitengela

Fall down the rabbit hole. Slip through the looking glass. Tip toe across the hanging bridge. However it is you arrive, this is most certainly a magical “other” sort of place. With each step, my eyes open wider and my soul expands. Once over the swinging bridge, glass mosaic underfoot, like a hint of what…Read more Kitengela

Merging back into myself

When I am here, half my heart is there. When I am there, half my heart is here. After a four year sojourn away from Kenya, I feel like I am in a dream as I speak face to face with those who haunt my dreams in the US. Sometimes I feel as if the…Read more Merging back into myself

For the Ragged and Beautiful

  https://www.facebook.com/fragmentsoflight/videos/1283437661683835/ In 2002, my dear friend Nicole Gillin and I volunteered together with a small team serving at Mother Teresa's Home for Abandoned Children in Nairobi. We've never been the same. Last week we collaborated to create this dance to share our changed hearts at the Flourish 2016 Recital.  Blessed Are the Peacemakers Blessed…Read more For the Ragged and Beautiful

Art: Mushrooms & Dialogue

After three years of painting almost every day, I'm slowly finding a better flow in my work, feeling less desperate about killing every piece I start. I've developed a fuller body of work. I still have so far to go, areas where I just can't translate the image I see in my heart onto paper,…Read more Art: Mushrooms & Dialogue